Revisiting the Nyquist criterion and aliasing in data analysis
Author: Lvesque L.
Source: European Journal of Physics, Volume 22, Number 2, 2001 , pp. 127-132(6)
Publisher: Institute of Physics Publishing
Abstract:
Fourier analysis is very useful in detecting the harmonics contained in a given signal. Unfortunately, the Nyquist criterion fixes a limit on the maximum frequency to be detected and as a result the Fourier analysis becomes more difficult to interpret. This papers shows why it is important to consider the Nyquist criterion, based on examples of data acquisition on a square wave. The Fourier analysis on this particular wave is discussed very simply in order to be able to understand the limitation of a data acquisition procedure running for a given sampling time. The experiment described in this paper can be repeated with simple instruments and an analogue-to-digital converter interfaced with a personal computer.
Language: English
Document Type: Miscellaneous

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